As a card-carrying member of the vegan/vegetarian community for more than a decade, I can attest to hearing almost all of these.

Being a vegan or vegetarian is treated a lot like a religious belief. Once people find out I’m a vegan they feel the need to explain themselves and their meat-eating habits in an effort, most likely, to keep me from getting them to subscribe to my way of eating.

Sometimes it’s taken a step further and instead of being asked curious questions, people sometimes try to punch holes in my ethics and morals. Trying to figure out where I draw my vegan-line and then asking questions poised to “trap” me in a “lie” or prove that I’m not really vegan.

In the end, it seems more effective, in getting my point across, to lead through example. Rather than aggressive cajoling or preaching, regardless of which side of the fence we’re on.

Relephant read:

5 Tips for Making the Vegan Transition.

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Author: Brenna Fischer

Editor: Ashleigh Hitchcock

Photo: Youtube still